I
made it to mile 20 after a steady, steep incline into the Swiss Alps before realizing I could walk faster than I was
running. It was a bit discouraging to stop running, but for my first
marathon, ascending at such a high elevation, I regarded it an
accomplishment. Of all things, the hot bouillon at the finish line was very
nice in addition to the fact I had just completed my first marathon.

Why do you pace?

I
enjoy running and pacing is an opportunity to help others find joy in it as
well.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

I
helped coach my alumni, Charleston
Southern University’s cross country team.I was running alongside a former teammate of mine (running 800 repeats
I think it was) who was struggling to run her assigned splits. While running,
I tucked in slightly behind her, in her peripheral, knowing it made me run
faster when someone did the same to me (like in the movie, “Seabiscuit”).
Sure enough, she sped up and ran her last repeats on pace, or close to it.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I am
passionate about surpassing the limits we place on ourselves, and I believe,
as a pacer, I will be able to motivate others to run faster than they thought
they could.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Running
is great for fitness and I hope you can achieve that; but I also hope you see
beyond the physical well-being to grasp the social, emotional, mental,
occupational, environmental and spiritual well-being it can bring to light as
well.

Anything else you’d like to share?

“Persevere
or Quit?” What’s it going to be?

What philanthropic activities do you have?

As a
personal fitness trainer, I am able to help others achieve fitness, while
becoming their friend to lend an ear and listen, when they just need to talk.